After synaptic vesicles release their contents into the synaptic gap, the vesicle membranes
A) are broken down by special enzymes.
B) are pinched off the axon terminal membrane and formed into new vesicles.
C) diffuse away from the synaptic gap in the extracellular fluid.
D) are digested by microglia.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

After releasing their contents, the vesicle membranes are recycled by being pinched off from the membrane of the axon terminal and reformed into new vesicles through a process called endocytosis. This allows for the recycling of important neurotransmitters and the maintenance of the presynaptic terminal. Option A is incorrect because there are no special enzymes that break down vesicle membranes. Option C is incorrect because vesicle membranes do not simply diffuse away, they must be recycled. Option D is incorrect because microglia are immune cells that do not play a role in the recycling of vesicle membranes.

After Synaptic Vesicles Release Their Contents into the Synaptic Gap